VANK (Voluntary Agency Network of Korea) has launched a campaign to defend Korea’s maritime sovereignty in the West Sea, criticizing China for installing two massive steel structures, “Shenlan No. 1” and “Shenlan No. 2,” in the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ). Despite the 2001 Korea-China Fisheries Agreement banning facility construction in this zone, China has expanded its activities, raising security concerns similar to its artificial island building in the South China Sea.
VANK warns that these structures, which China claims are fish farms, are part of a military strategy to extend territorial control using a “grey zone strategy” — low-level provocations that avoid direct conflict but gradually increase influence. China’s repeated intrusions into Korea’s KADIZ and military exercises in the West Sea further heighten tensions.
Through this campaign, VANK calls for strong diplomatic action by the Korean government and urges international regulation under maritime law to counter China’s expansion. The campaign also honors the 55 Korean service members commemorated on “West Sea Defense Day” (March 28), reinforcing the importance of protecting Korea’s maritime sovereignty.